Requirements described in this Catalog are minimum requirements for consideration and do not guarantee acceptance into a specific graduate degree program or the Graduate School. The Office of the Graduate School is responsible for the administration of the University graduate admission policy. The decision to admit an applicant to pursue graduate study at UTC is based upon evaluations of both qualitative and quantitative information. To ensure adequate consideration, the applicant should submit the completed application and supporting credentials to The Graduate School office by the application dates noted in this publication. Those filing applications after the established submission dates cannot be assured their credentials will be processed in sufficient time to secure admission for that term. Financial aid may also be delayed.

An applicant for admission must furnish the following materials to The Graduate School office:

A completed online application form available on the Web site at www.utc.edu/apply
Payment of the $35.00 nonrefundable application fee for domestic applicants or $40.00 for international applicants.
An official transcript from each college or university previously attended. These transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to The UTC Graduate School office.
Applicants whose native language is not English must provide official scores for one of the exams recognized by UTC. Please note that English Proficiency scores more than two years old will not be accepted. For more information on English proficiency requirements, see ” International Students” below.
Supplemental application materials as required by the program, including official report of the applicant’s score on the precribed test(s) for admission, such as the GRE or GMAT

top

WARNING: Misrepresentation of academic credentials constitutes a Class A misdemeanor, under Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-7-133.

To be eligible for Degree Regular Admission an applicant must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university or foreign equivalent and be in good academic standing at the last institution attended. In addition to the previous two requirements, an applicant for regular admission must meet one of the following requirements from a regionally accredited institution or foreign equivalent. All GPAs are based on a 4.0 point scale; the last two years of undergraduate coursework are equivalent to approximately 60-70 semester hours or 90-100 quarter hours. (Updated GPA requirements approved by Graduate Council spring 2011)

· 2.70 minimum GPA for all undergraduate work taken for the baccalaureate degree or

· 3.00 GPA for the last two years of undergraduate academic coursework or

· 3.00 GPA for 30 or more semester hours undergraduate credit after earning the first bachelor’s degree or

· 2.70 GPA for the last two years of undergraduate academic coursework and a 3.00 GPA on fewer than 24 hours graduate coursework or

· 3.00 GPA for 24 or more graduate hours or

· An earned master’s degree or higher‐level degree with at least a 3.00 GPA.

Students who do not meet this admission requirement should contact the staff of The Graduate School to discuss alternative requirements. Applicants who are seeking admission to a degree program must submit scores on the appropriate standardized test as required by the proposed major department.

Applicants for the Education Specialist degree with a concentration in Instructional Leadership and Principal Licensure must have earned a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

Applicants for Doctoral degrees often must have earned a master’s degree or higher level degree, e.g., a JD. Applicants who have received a master’s degree from UTC must reapply for admission as a doctoral degree student.

An applicant who graduated from an unaccredited institution may be considered for admission with a 3.0 cumulative average. This policy does not apply to the Learning and Leadership Doctoral Program. Scores must be submitted from the appropriate admissions test if the applicant is seeking admission to a degree program.

top

Application and Screening Dates

Applicants should pay special attention to the early screening dates that some programs have established for priority consideration for admission and financial aid. Applications to be screened must provide all information requested, unless otherwise noted. Below are listed the general Graduate School screening dates (see note at bottom of table). Applicants applying after the Graduate School or specific degree program early screening dates should contact the program to verify that there is still space available for new students. (Dates approved by Graduate Council spring 2011)

Applying For	Domestic Deadline	International Deadline
Fall Semester	June 15	July 1
Spring Semester	November 1	November 1
1^st Summer	April 1	N/A
2^nd Summer	May 15	N/A

Note: Some departments and programs have established application deadlines that differ from the University application deadlines. Please refer to the appropriate college or department for this information.

top

International Students

Application Requirements for Prospective International Students

Prospective international students seeking graduate admission on an F-1 visa must provide the following:

1. A completed online application. A $40 nonrefundable application fee is required of all candidates except those who have previously applied to The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

2. Academic credentials:

Official attested copy of degree certificate, listing the name of the degree and date of conferral.
Complete and official transcripts for each year of undergraduate and/or graduate study from all institutions attended, containing all grades earned by the student, including failed and retaken courses.

IMPORTANT:

Documents must be attested and sealed by the proper official within the issuing institution. UTC may not accept documents attested by professors or external notary publics.
Documents should be submitted in a sealed, unopened envelope by the issuing institution. UTC cannot verify documents which have been handled by the applicant.
The University wishes to encourage qualified graduate applicants from other countries. Accordingly, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will accept as equivalent in level, structure, scope, and intent the new European degrees, adopted under the Bologna Process.
The University will also consider three-year bachelor’s degrees earned in Division I and II institutions in India and accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) as comparable to four-year U.S. bachelor’s degrees. UTC will consider other three-year degrees on a case by case basis.

3. Proof of English proficiency (for applicants whose native language is not English):

English Proficiency scores more than two years old will not be accepted.

Exam	Minimum Score
TOEFL iBT	79
IELTS	6.0
Cambridge English Qualifications C1 Advanced*	177
Duolingo English Test **	100
Pearson Test of English Academic	53
International Test of English Proficiency (iTEP) Academic	4.0

* Previously known as Cambridge English: Advanced and the Certificate in Advanced English
**The DET scoring scale changed in July 2019. Listed score is based on the new scale.

Applicants should note that individual programs may have additional English proficiency requirements and/or may require higher scores on the aforementioned exams. It is the applicant’s responsibility to locate information on program-specific requirements.

Applicants may ask The Graduate School for an exemption from the TOEFL, IELTS or DET requirement if they:

Have received a degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States (or a similarly accredited institution in a country/region where the predominant spoken language is English) within the last two years, OR
Have worked full time in the United States or a predominantly English-speaking country/region for at least two of the preceding four years.

4. Proof of Funding: Documentation (i.e., stamped and dated bank statement or financial guarantee letter from the scholarship sponsor), dated no earlier than six months prior to the submission of the application.

5. Copy of current passport photo page, showing an expiration date at least six months into the future.

6. Any additional documentation required by the degree program to which the prospective student is applying.

All application materials must be submitted by July 1st for the following fall semester and by November 1st for the following spring semester. All admissions materials may be sent to:

Office of International Student and Scholar Services, Dept. 4755

Center for Global Education

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Lupton Hall

615 McCallie Avenue

Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37403-2504

United States of America

Once accepted, international students must submit the following:

1. Evidence of the immunizations required by University Health Services.

2. Health insurance documentation: All international students are required to possess medical insurance, including preventative and emergency coverage, while enrolled at UTC. Students are automatically enrolled in the UTC student health insurance program but may instead choose to purchase alternate coverage which meets the University-mandated health coverage criteria.

WARNING: Misrepresentation of academic credentials constitutes a Class A misdemeanor under Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-7-133.

top

Additional Application Materials

Some graduate degree programs have identified additional application materials (e.g., letters of recommendation, portfolios, departmental interviews, or other evidence of academic achievement) that the applicant must submit. The purpose of these materials is to provide evidence that the applicant has the potential to succeed in the program and that the applicant’s professional and research interests are compatible with those of the faculty. Please refer to the program for a list of the specific requirements.

UTC Undergraduate Students Eligible for Graduate Credit

Students who are within 30 semester hours of completing requirements for the bachelor’s degree at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga may apply for admission to graduate courses if they have an overall grade point average of 3.00 or higher and are recommended by the head of his or her major department. Subject to the approval of the Dean of The Graduate School, students may earn up to nine hours of graduate credit prior to completing the bachelor’s degree. These graduate hours do not count toward completion of an undergraduate degree. Approval must be obtained each semester by completing the UTC Senior Request to Register for Graduate Credit form which is available from The Graduate School web site. The approved application must be submitted to the Graduate School along with a registration form for approval and registration.

Delayed Admission

Students who want to start course work for a graduate degree program after the normal matriculation date must notify the UTC Graduate School and the coordinator of the doctoral program of his or her intent. Some departments may require that all new students begin their course work during a specific semester and may not allow students to delay their entry into the program. Students who wish to delay the start of their course work for more than one year must reapply for admission to the program.

top

Admission of Faculty and Staff Members

The Graduate School of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is committed to personal and professional development of employees through the taking of graduate courses. The UT System Policy addresses work hours, completing prerequisite course requirements, etc. https://my.tennessee.edu/portal/page?_pageid=34,140536&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL&p_policy=HR0330).

Supervisors should have conversations with employees to alert them to the potential perceived or real issues that may arise in the context of the student – teacher relationship, such as when an employee in his/her employment role may interact directly or indirectly with graduate course instructors in their official roles. Concerns of an employee who is a student (for example repercussions due to the role the employee has on campus) or a course instructor (for example grading and assigning grades) should be discussed with the academic Dean of the college in which the course is taught and/or with the Graduate School Dean depending on the particular situation.

Directors and coordinators of graduate degree programs have the responsibility along with the program faculty to maintain the academic integrity and standards within their programs. As such, employees should meet with appropriate program personnel to discuss admission requirements and to determine if completion of a specific degree will enable them to achieve their long term development goals. Employees must meet the admission policies, procedures, and regulations as specified in the Graduate Catalog for any individual seeking admission.

Taking classes or attaining a graduate degree does not guarantee an employee promotion or advancement within the University.

Approved by Graduate Council May 13, 2013 electronic vote 15-1-0.

Admission Classifications

Several admission classifications are utilized by The Graduate School. Applicants should apply for admission according to the one classification which applies to their educational objectives. International students, however, must apply for admission as Degree Regular Graduate students only.

top

Degree Regular Graduate

Admission as a degree student to a master’s, specialist or doctoral program is by departmental recommendation and graduate school approval only. Thus, an applicant who wishes to be admitted as a degree graduate must file an application, statement of purpose/intent, transcripts, specified test scores and supplemental application materials far enough in advance to allow for evaluation by the department or school. Some programs have established application deadlines that cannot be waived; refer to the specific degree program for details. The evaluation will include a review of the applicant’s undergraduate program and the specification of any prerequisite courses needed to ensure adequate background for the graduate program. In addition to the above requirements, students whose native language is not English are required to submit English proficiency scores. For more information on English proficiency requirements, see “International Students” above.

Some degree programs may require that international applicants also demonstrate the ability to speak English effectively. Programs with this requirement will list the specific assessment procedures that will indicate proficiency in English oral communication. For more information on English proficiency requirements, see ” International Students” above.

top

Degree Conditional Graduate

The University offers conditional admission status to degree programs to students who do not meet one of the academic standards of the University. Some graduate degree programs do not admit students with conditional status; therefore, a student must check the specific program requirements. A student admitted in conditional status must advance to the next academic semester as prescribed below. (Approved by Graduate Council spring 2011)

A student admitted to conditional status is eligible (not guaranteed) for advancement to the next academic semester after earning a cumulative 3.00 GPA or better on a minimum of six hours of regular graduate level courses taken during that student’s first semester at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. A student admitted with conditional status must take at least six credit hours in the first semester enrolled. Graduate programs will specify for each student admitted in conditional status the academic requirements that must be met to advance to the next academic semester. Once the minimum required six hours are met, an admission decision will be made. Neither transfer credits, nor credits earned while in Non-degree status can be used to satisfy this six-hour requirement. A student in conditional status will be dismissed from the graduate program if the student does not attain the required cumulative 3.00 GPA or better on all courses taken while enrolled as a student with conditional status. Students attaining the 3.00 GPA or better on the conditional hours of graduate coursework will be considered for regular admission status. Students not attaining the minimum 3.00 GPA will be ineligible for regular admission and continuation in the particular degree program. These students may pursue admission to another degree program or to non-degree admission status. Academic departments may set higher standards for students admitted conditionally into their programs. While in the conditional status, a student is not eligible to hold a graduate assistantship but is eligible to receive financial aid if admitted conditionally into a graduate degree program. (Modification of this policy was approved by Graduate Council spring 2013.)

top

Non-degree Graduate Admission

An applicant who meets admission requirements and wishes to enroll in graduate or undergraduate courses and earn credit without reference to a degree program may be admitted as a non-degree graduate student. Students holding non-degree status are not eligible for financial aid.

A student classified as non-degree who subsequently wishes to be admitted to a degree program must file a formal request for this change with The Graduate School office by completing a degree objective change form. In addition, the student must submit supplemental application materials as required for the proposed degree program. A maximum of nine semester hours earned as a non-degree student may be accepted toward degree requirements. The Graduate School cannot assure a student classified as non-degree that all or any work completed in this status will apply toward a degree.

The UTC Graduate School uses the following classifications to distinguish among the types of non-degree graduate students.

Post-Master’s Graduate

An applicant who has a master’s or terminal degree from an accredited institution and who is not working toward a degree may be admitted as a non-degree graduate student. A graduate application, application fee and transcripts from the university which awarded the master’s or terminal degree are required.

Post-Doctoral Graduate

This classification includes persons who have earned a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution or international equivalent and who wish to enroll in graduate courses offered by The University. The policies and procedures for a non-degree admission shall apply for the post-doctoral admission.

Auditor

Adults who wish to attend classes without earning credit or receiving grades may be admitted as auditors. A graduate application and transcripts are required. (Elder scholars do not need to submit transcripts.) Individuals may register as auditors provided space is available in the class desired and the instructor accepts auditors. Fees for audit are the same as for credit registration.

Auditors are under no obligation of regular attendance, preparation, recitation, or examination, and academic records are maintained only for audited courses in which the student attends at least 75 percent of the class sessions. They receive no grades and no credit. The degree of their participation in class discussion, laboratory, or field work shall be determined by the instructor of the class. (For fee schedule please see “Student Fees and Expenses” section.)

Graduate Certificate

Admission to a graduate certificate program requires that a person meet the minimum admission requirements of the Graduate School and any additional program requirements (see Admission Requirements). Refer to the appropriate department for specific requirements for admission to the certificate program.

Admission to a graduate certificate program does not constitute immediate or future admission to a graduate degree program. To receive a graduate certificate, students must be admitted to a certificate program or a degree program.

Certificate programs require the student to complete 9 – 18 hours and maintain a 3.00 or higher GPA. Students should check programs for specific hour requirements. A student only pursuing a certificate consisting of 9 – 18 hours must complete the certificate within a maximum time of 3 years. (Approved by Graduate Council spring 2012). A student pursuing a certificate as part of a graduate degree program will have the time allotted for the degree to complete the certificate. (Approved by Graduate Council spring 2012).

Students must file an Application for Graduation, Certificate Award and Candidacy form with the Graduate School the semester prior to the semester they will complete the certificate course requirements. Students receiving certificates do not participate in commencement.

Transient Graduate

Graduate Transient Student – for those enrolled in a graduate program at another institution and wish to use UTC classes in the program of study relevant to their home, or degree-granting institution.

A student must submit an application and provide a certificate of good standing from the appropriate official (Registrar) from the home institution or a current official transcript that illustrates good standing in a graduate program. Students are admitted on a per semester basis and must reapply for any subsequent semester if they wish to take additional credits.

Students are not eligible to receive financial aid at more than one institution for any one term. Therefore, you must apply for financial aid at the institution where you are degree-seeking.

Transient students coming into UTC are not eligible to receive financial aid through UTC. If you wish to receive financial aid at your home institution based on your enrollment at UTC, you must contact your home school and ask about the possibility.

It is the degree-granting institute’s right to accept or deny credits from other institutions into their degree programs. Please consult with your home school and program advisor/academic advisor about how transfer credits are accepted at that institution and the maximum number of credits that may transfer back to the home institute.

top

Post-Baccalaureate Admission

Post-baccalaureate is an undergraduate admission classification which indicates that the applicant has a baccalaureate degree. A student in this category may take only undergraduate classes. Application for post-baccalaureate admission should be made through the Undergraduate Admissions office.

Second Bachelor’s Degree

A student who has received one bachelor’s degree may receive a second bachelor’s degree provided that all specific requirements for both degrees are met, that the curriculum for the second degree includes at least 30 hours (with a 2.0 GPA or better) not offered for the first degree, and that an additional year is spent in residence. Application for admission as a non-degree graduate student should be made through The Graduate School; but application for post-baccalaureate admission should be made through the Undergraduate Admissions office.

Second Master’s Degree

A student who has received one master’s degree from UTC may use course credits from the first master’s degree to receive a second master’s degree from UTC with up to one-third of the requirements in the second master’s degree provided that all specific requirements for both degrees are met. Programs must determine which courses and how many hours up to the one-third maximum will count toward the second degree. Courses making up part of the first master’s degree and to be used in the second master’s degree must meet the following criteria. The courses must:

have a grade of B or higher and
fit within the timeframe of the student’s program of study for the second master’s degree.

(Clarification approved by Graduate Council spring 2012).

top

Teacher Licensure

Individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree may enter the master’s program in elementary or secondary education and complete course work leading to licensure at the same time.

Students seeking only an initial license, an added endorsement, or renewal of certification may be classified as post-baccalaureate or non-degree students. The post-baccalaureate classification restricts the student to undergraduate coursework and application should be made through Undergraduate Admission Office. The non-degree classification permits a qualified student to take both undergraduate and graduate classes and application should be made through The Graduate School.

Readmission

Any student whose attendance has been interrupted one or more semesters (excluding the summer session) must apply for readmission to the University. An application must be submitted prior to the beginning of the semester or summer term in which readmission is desired.

Due to the competitive nature of some degree programs, readmission as a degree graduate may require departmental recommendation. In addition, students who have not been admitted to candidacy must follow the regulations in effect at the time of readmission.

Degree Program Admission Requirements

An applicant for admission to a degree program should refer to the appropriate college or department for specific admission requirements since some degree programs require a higher academic average, additional admission requirements, and/or utilize a formula for determining admission.

If an applicant does not enter UTC in the semester or summer term for which application was made, the applicant’s file will be destroyed after one year unless he or she requests and is granted permission to enter at a future date.

All application credentials become the property of the University and are not returnable nor forwardable to other institutions.

top

Graduate Admission Tests

All applicants who request admission to a specific degree program must submit scores on the appropriate admission test. Scores must be no more than five years old from the date of application for admission. Admission tests are administered computerized several times each year. (TOEFL still has paper versions of the test). Applicants should schedule all examination well in advance of the date on which they wish to begin graduate study. Information about the tests are available in the UTC Testing Center 205 Hooper Hall, 423-425-5305, email utctestingcenter@utc.edu, as well as the Graduate School Office.

The Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is required for applicants to the master’s program in Counseling: Community and School (or GRE), Criminal Justice (or GRE), and Nursing (or GRE). Students may schedule this test by group or individual appointment with the Testing Center at 423-425-5305. Additional information is available on the MAT website (milleranalogies.com)

The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required for applicants for graduate study in accountancy and business administration. A GMAT score of 450, or a GRE score of 1,000 with minimum score of 400 on the verbal section and 500 on the quantitative section, is for students seeking admission to the Master’s of Accountancy program and the M.B.A. program. Information about the test and application forms are available at MBA.com

The Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Test (PRAXIS Core) is requires of applicants for the Master’s in Elementary, Secondary and Special Education. Prospective students must take the reading, writing and math sections. Information about the Praxis is available from the testing supervisor located at 205 Hooper Hall, 423-425-5305 (utctestingcenter@utc.edu or the ETS website at ETX.org/praxis. English proficiency exam scores are required of applicants whose native language is not English. Scores for one of the approved English proficiency exams must be submitted before action can be taken on the application. Applicants may ask The Graduate School for an exemption from the English proficiency requirement if they meet certain requirements. Full information on English Proficiency requirements is in the “International Students” section above.

Please note that English Proficiency scores more than two years old will not be accepted. Some degree programs may require that international applicants also demonstrate the ability to speak English effectively. Programs with this requirement will list the specific assessment procedures that will indicate proficiency in English oral communication.

The GRE may be substituted for the PPST/CBT in Special Education.

Additional information about testing can be found at https://www.utc.edu/academic-affairs/planning-evaluation-and-institutional-research/testing-center.

top

Immunization Requirement

The university and the state require certain immunizations for attending UTC.

· MMR: All students born on or after Jan. 1, 1957 must provide proof of immunization with two doses of MMR vaccine at least 28 days apart or serology showing immunity to MMR.

· Varicella or Chickenpox: All students born on or after Jan. 1, 1980 must provide proof of immunization with two doses of Varicella vaccine at least 28 days apart, serology showing immunity to Varicella or documentation from a medical facility verifying a previous diagnosis with the illness

· Meningitis (MCV4 [Menactra^® or Menveo^®]): New incoming students who are younger than 22 years of age and who will live in campus housing must provide proof of receiving a dose of quadrivalent conjugate vaccine (MCV4 protects against strains: A, C, Y, W135) at greater than or equal to 16 years of age. Any student not living on campus who has not received a dose of quadrivalent conjugate vaccine within the past five years may choose to be vaccinated to reduce the risk of meningococcal disease.
If you are not living on campus and would like to submit a Meningitis Off-Campus Housing Waiver please click here. Please note the form must be printed, signed and uploaded to the Medicat Patient Portal to be reviewed.

· If you have served in the military, you are exempt from providing proof of immunizations, but you will need to provide proof of military service to the Medicat Patient Portal. Please upload either the front and back of your military identification or your DD214.

· Recognized exemptions from immunizations include being enrolled in a program that is exclusively online or at an off-campus site, medical contraindications, and religious objections. If you are enrolled in on-line only courses with no experiential component, or in a dual enrollment program exclusively offered on the site of a local education authority or secondary school, you and your academic advisor must sign the On-Line Only Immunization Exemption Waiver. To determine how to apply for exemptions, please review UTC University Health Services website under “Exemptions”.

top